Friday, July 11, 2008

Reading Mary & Martha

We're reading about two women today, sisters, whose brother was a dear friend of Jesus. Their story can be found in Luke 10:38-42 and also in John 11:1-12:8.

Just click on them to read them online, but let's pray first before we read.

"Lord God, please guide me into all understanding as I read your Word today about these two women, their brother and their Savior. Help me to see their thoughts and actions through Your eyes. Speak to my heart today, please Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray."

Post your "I read it" here when you are done and we will discuss it here early next week.

Many books are written about these two women, and I'm betting some of you have read some of them. Feel free to chime in during next week's discussion with what you learned from them. But for now, just encounter the text and let the words of the Bible speak directly to you. Mull it over in your mind while you enjoy your weekend.

Can't wait to talk about these stories with you next week!

59 comments:

  1. Good Morning, I read it, with tears flowing at the same time. This story was so touching.
    Thanks Rachel

    Have a Blessed Day!
    Sharon

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  2. Loved your "What are we Looking At?" on the Encouragement for today devotional. I LOVE that God is TOTALLY outside of the box of human thought and logic. Thank God for His ways.

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  3. AnonymousJuly 11, 2008

    I read it with a new emphasis. This time what struck me was the part that Jeus was angry. Was He angry with the mourners for thier hypocritical emotionalism or their critical spirits? When He wept, was it because of the state of their hearts or His compassion for Mary's grief? Rgeardless, the fact that He is the Messiah, who cared enough to redeem all our sins, and knows my heart, even in its sinfulness and even when I am grieving, is what touches me most this morning. Thanks for your post.I look forward to your insights next week.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 11, 2008

    I read it!!

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  5. Martha and Mary are always timely Bible characters to study! Never tire of them! Can learn so much from both women.

    And I recently listened to Beth Moore's "Mary of Bethany", which is amazing.

    Thanks, Rachel, again for this on-line study! And thanks for your truly encouraging and challenging devotional today!

    Sharon :)

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  6. I have been away for awhile and I'm excited to be back!

    I read it!
    Looking forward to next week!
    Be blessed everyone!

    Ingyr
    Columbus, OH

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  7. Dear sisters,

    Please visit my blog and help us pray for a 17-year-old girl who is currently battling for her life.

    www.wendyblackwell.blogspot.com

    I tearfully thank you all ahead of time.

    Having recently been the recipeint of many faithful prayers I am so blessed to now pray for another, please joing me.

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  8. AnonymousJuly 11, 2008

    I read it. :)

    Have a blessed weekend everyone!

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  9. AnonymousJuly 11, 2008

    just found your website and i love the story of Martha and Mary i read a book called having a Mary heart in a Martha's World excellent book i recommend it highly i will read the passages again they are one of my favorites i like your blog

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  10. AnonymousJuly 12, 2008

    I read it - looking forward to our discussion next week!

    Rachel, as always, great devotional today. Thank you!

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  11. AnonymousJuly 12, 2008

    I read it!

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  12. I saw this story in a different light. I felt it was and example of the foretelling of Jesus death and reserection and how much sadness and anger God must have felt for our sins and the death of his only begotten son.Jesus stated it was for his glory.

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  13. AnonymousJuly 12, 2008

    I read it!

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  14. AnonymousJuly 12, 2008

    I read it!

    Glad to be able to continue the study...even from here in Alaska.

    JT

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  15. I read it, love this story. God Bless, Josie

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  16. AnonymousJuly 13, 2008

    I read it.........:)
    Laura's Mom

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  17. AnonymousJuly 13, 2008

    i read it can't wait to talk about it this week.

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  18. AnonymousJuly 13, 2008

    I read it!

    Pat in nyc

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  19. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008

    Mommy and her lil angels from NY

    I read it and it seems to me that it is important to believe in Jesus and to truly worship him with all you have for the blessings and the gifts he gives more than imagined. Both Mary and Martha were avid followers of Jesus and we as people could learn from their examples of following avidly no matter what circumstances are in our lives. Thanks again Rachel for such good food for thought!

    Jess from NY

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  20. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008

    I read it. I love this story and I am looking forward to hear what everyone has to say.

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  21. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008

    I read it!

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  22. I read it and look forward to the discussions.

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  23. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008

    I read it!

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  24. I read it you always see something new don't you.
    Lynn

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  25. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008

    I read it and am very much looking forward to the discussion of these two gals.

    In Him,
    Amy

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  26. I read it. Now I'm going to look up Rachel's devotional. It sounds like it was awesome and I don't know how I missed it.

    Love you all!
    Dana

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  27. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008

    I read it and looking forward to all of your insights....God Bless you all! Jo Ann in Denver

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  28. I read it. Looking forward to the discussion.

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  29. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008

    I read it. Thank you for such awesome devotions and opportunties to share.

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  30. Read it.

    What a great story.

    :-)

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  31. AnonymousJuly 15, 2008

    I read it!

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  32. I need help desperately. I was trying out new templates and all of a sudden a new blog came up and I could not get my original one back. I have it saved on my computer but am not able to upload it. Does anybody know what I should do?
    AliceE.
    email me at astocks@carolina.rr.com

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  33. Good morning everyone,

    I have read Mary & Martha and it also is one of my favorites.

    Wendy, I have offered Jennifer up in prayer and will continue to do so. I enjoyed reading your blog, athough I haven't read it in its entirety yet, I will soon.

    My surgery has been rescheduled for July 30th, so I will have more time to spend in Bible Study and blog visitations before going in. One of my daughters in California will be coming up to take care of me after surgery. I haven't seen her in two years, so I am very excited about her arrival.

    It may take me a while to get back to the studies after surgery as the morphine really keeps my brain foggy until I can adjust to the pain, however, I know that our Sweet Lord will be talking to me all the while!!

    Have a wonderful day ladies. I am looking forward to our discussion.

    Your Sister in Christ,
    Karyl
    Bonners Ferry, ID
    <*/////><

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  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  35. Hi Alice,

    I have sent you two emails regarding your problem. The first two I sent came back as I forgot to add the "s" in your email address. Please check your email and reply to me if you received them. If I don't hear from you, I will try resending them.

    God bless,
    Karyl
    Bonners Ferry, ID
    <*/////><

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  36. AnonymousJuly 16, 2008

    read it!!

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  37. AnonymousJuly 17, 2008

    I read it, thank you again for this online study

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  38. AnonymousJuly 23, 2008

    I read it!

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  39. Sorry running behind and catching up. Read it.

    Sallye

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  40. Hi all my Sisters in Christ, I read the stories about Mary, Martha and Lazurus before a nd just reread it again....anxious to read everyone's comments....I'm behind in my reading but will be catching up soon. My prayers are being lifted up to all who had prayer requests and my thoughts are with each and everyone of you. Be Blessed!!!!!! JoAnn/Denver,Co.

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  41. Still here and catching up!
    Debby in ND

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  42. A blessed good morning.....through this text I fell in love with jesus all over again...his compassion, his grief....he feels my pain each time. oh what a Lord to have and call my Lord ..

    May the good Lord continue to use you to bless others with your words and His......Marcia from Grenada.....West- Indies

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